Effect of Cajanus cajan (L) Millsp. leafy Extracts on Haematological Function, Oxidative Stress, and Inflammatory Markers in Spleen Tissue of Plasmodium berghei-infected Mice

Abstract

Objective: Oxidative stress and inflammation are common complications of malaria, with the infection’s effects ranging from simple to life-threatening multiple organ failure. This study investigates the protective effects of Cajanus cajan leafy extracts on haematological dysfunction, oxidative stress, and inflammation in organs of Plasmodium berghei-infected mice.  Methods: Forty-nine mice were randomly divided into seven groups, including normal and experimental controls. Aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Cajanus cajan were applied at 200 and 400 mg/kg b.w. concentrations concurrently to explore their protective effects on malaria-induced blood and spleen damage. The effects were evaluated on haematological parameters; red blood cells (RBCs), haemolobin (hg), packed cell volume (PCV), white blood cells (WBCs), Lymphocytes and monocyte levels in the blood as well as oxidative biomarkers; reactive oxygen species (ROS) and Thiobarbituric (TBARS) levels, antioxidant enzymes; superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST), inflammatory markers; pro-inflammatory tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and anti-inflammatory IL-10 mediators in spleen tissues of Plasmodium berghei-infected mice. Results: It was revealed that all treated groups improved haematological functions, restored antioxidant enzyme’s activities, suppressed oxidative and pro-inflammatory markers, and boosted anti-inflammatory marker in the spleen tissue compared to Plasmodium berghei untreated group. Higher protective effects were observed in Plasmodium berghei-infected group treated at the high dose of both extracts (CcA 400 and CcE 400). Conclusion: Following these findings, incorporating Cajanus cajan leaf extracts into malaria treatment regimens could protect against oxidative stress and inflammation in spleen tissues.